Foreign players such as Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo are to blame for the rise of diving in the Premier League, according to a study.
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Officials from all around the world believe the influx foreign talent has hurt increased the amount of cheating that takes place in the English game.
Past and present overseas talents such as Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Drogba, Ronaldo and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jurgen Klinsmann are all known for their theatrical antics.
Dr Tom Webb, a refereeing expert, quizzed nearly 40 professional match officials from England, Spain and Italy to try to come up with a reason for the increase of diving in the England.
"Diving is a massive problem in football and there is a massive battle against it in the sport," Webb told the Daily Star.
"The study found that the practice is more accepted in countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil and Argentina, so their players who play in the UK are more likely to be responsible.
"The cultural differences make it difficult for an English referee because they are not used to that kind of player behaviour."
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Referees in Spain who took part in the study claim players are trained to dive and deceive officials.
Do you believe the influx of foreigners is to blame for the amount of diving in the Premier League?
